Hot Corner: Jack Hannahan (.286) scorched a double and added a single in three trips. He scored a pair of runs, but also made an awful throw to extend the nightmarish 3rd inning. Captain Jack committed only one throwing error all of last year, so we can assume that it's out of the way for 2012. Still, it's not what you want to do when you're fighting for a starting role.
#5: Jeanmar Gomez (0.00) relieved Tomlin and continued to make a strong case that no others need apply for the fifth spot. His fastball looked live with a good sinking action and the man hit his spots. Needless to say, the numbers showed it. In three innings he allowed just a single base-runner (a one base hit) and conjured five ground ball outs. In case you're counting, that's 7 scoreless with just 4 hits allowed. At this point, Jeanmar is going to have to give the job away because no one can take it unless he stumbles. Zach McAllister (4.50) pitched two clean frames, benefiting from a bizarre double play in the 8th (sac bunt attempt, ZMac got lead runner at third, then the batter just sort of wandered off of first for no reason and got tagged out, again, bizare), but has simply not put up a body of work comparable to that of Gomez.
Left of Center: Nope.
Somewhere Out There: Fred Lewis (.182) started in left and did double on a ball that hit about 2 inches from the top of the wall. The problem is that he also struck out twice and has looked consistently troubled in left field. I would not bet on him. Nor would I on Ryan Spilborghs (.125). While the man is tremendously well-spoken (I saw an interview during today's game), he has simply shown nothing so far. Today, he hit into a double play in one AB and left the game winning run in scoring position in the other. Now, if Ezequiel Carrera (.200) can string some hits together, his speed is an X-factor that could earn him a spot. In his first PA against Texas he beat out what was intended to be a sac bunt and then stole second. He seems to be more comfortable in center field than he was last season, perhaps because the big stage doesn't seem so much anymore.
Bench Me: Yesterday, I noted that Jose Lopez was the only man left in this category. Well, the former all-star has no problem carrying it all by himself. Lopez (.500) slapped two more hits today, as well as drawing a walk. He also played a very solid first base for, not 9, but 10 innings. I stand by my position that you will not see him at that position in the regular season unless something stupid happens, but it's still good to know that he can cut the mustard. Oh, his spring OPS is 1.374.
Mightier Than the Sword: Hector Ambriz (1.80) escaped danger in the top of the 10th thanks to his ability to get all 3 outs on ground balls. Unfortunately, it was all Ambriz in getting into trouble. He walked 2 (1 intentional) to open the door for the Rangers.
The wandering Wahoos visit the Gigantes tomorrow at 4:05p.
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